Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Gustavo Meza-Cuadra on Tuesday affirmed that Peru respected its international obligations and commitments, when asked on the flight carrying
Evo Morales to Mexico, where he had been granted political asylum.
"On this matter, Peru has fully respected its international obligations and commitments, particularly those under the Caracas Convention on diplomatic asylum," he told RPP TV and radio station.
Besides, he stated that —from the moment it was contacted by Mexico— Peru clearly stated it was going to facilitate compliance with international obligations.
According to
Meza-Cuadra, Lima granted overflight and landing permits to the Mexican aircraft for refueling and authorized its return after it was denied entry into Bolivian airspace.
He remarked that the plane departed on Monday at 6:30 PM to pick up Evo Morales in Bolivia and then head directly to Mexico.
However, he said they were told later that —instead of flying directly to Mexico— the aircraft was going to make a technical stop in Peru.
"We had a frank and cordial conversation with Mexico's Foreign Affairs Minister. I asked him if they could consider another possibility, given the time and that this was not the original plan. In the most cordial terms, I was told that he would try to consider another option,"
Meza-Cuadra explained.
A few hours later, Peruvian authorities were told that the aircraft would stop in Paraguay, but then they were asked if they did not mind authorizing the plane to overfly Peru on its way to Mexico.
"We told them that we had no problem with that, and that we are here to make the journey easier," the Peruvian government official stressed while saying the Mexican airplane crossed the Brazilian jungle and overflew Peruvian territory up to the northern coast, from where it headed to Mexican territory.
"The task, in our case, has been fulfilled. We have made things easier. Besides, we have been in permanent contact with Mexico's Foreign Affairs Minister yesterday and today, in the most cordial terms," he pointed out.
(END) VVS/FHG/RMB
Published: 11/12/2019